yerba mate

I awoke and did a small amount of gussying, bare minimum really. I'm a feeling a little low these days. Ate the beans and bannock. Almost didn't bother to heat the beans up, but was glad to have a piping-hot spoonful when I sat down at the kitchen table for it.

Steeped up some yerba mate. I drink this often. Apparently it's one of the most nutritive plants on the planet. A drink ancient peoples used for gatherings and entertaining. Gives you the same chemical effect as caffeine ie. energy boost, increased concentration, high mental alertness, but is non-addictive and actually improves your sleeping patterns. Also has a "slippery" effect on your guts, so you "go" more, or better. I'll vouch for all of these things except for the ancient peoples stuff. That's just rumours to me.

The taste of a non-sugared/non-flavoured yerba is somewhat disconcerting if you're not into healthy shit and are more used to the over-sweetened crap the western world has brainwashed you into thinking is "normal" or "real" food. I suggest throwing in some raw sugar or honey or maple syrup and a healthy splash of soymilk if you want to make your yerba what I consider "fancy".

One way of making yerba mate delicious and special is preparing Mate Factor's "dark roast" either hot or cold (you don't even have to bring it down from boiled to iced, you can simply steep it in cold water), then blending it with honey and heavy cream. It's a tasty treat and doesn't give you that fur mouth you get from other coffee-creamy beverages.

This morning, like many mornings, I ended up filling up my mug/drinking bowl up 3/4 of the way and steeping my yerba and then at the very last moment before having to leave for work, topping up the last 1/4 with my drinking water to cool it. Then I chug the yerba while putting on my coat and shoes.